What do universities really think about A-level law?

A-level law – good or bad idea? You may have heard that some universities aren’t keen on you studying it, especially if you want to go on to do a degree in law…

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Do universities accept A-level law?

Exeter - yes

We welcome applications from students studying A-level law for all our undergraduate programmes. Apart from general studies, all A-levels are treated equally by the University when considering who to make offers to. Where particular subjects are required for entry, this is made clear in the entry requirements. University Of Exeter

Nottingham - yes

The University of Nottingham accepts A-level law as an A-level subject choice. The only A-levels that we do not usually accept as part of our conditional offers are general studies and critical thinking.

To study law, a selection of applicants to whom we will make an offer will be based upon a combination of the candidate’s academic record and the score in the National Law Admissions Test (LNAT), together with an assessment of all the information provided in the Ucas application form, including the academic reference and the applicant’s personal statement. University Of Nottingham

Portsmouth - yes

The University welcomes a wide range of entry qualifications including A-level law for any of its courses. Some courses require specific A-level subjects (or their equivalent). University Of Portsmouth

Do you actually need A-level law?

As with the rest of your A-level subject choices, you should choose A-level law because you think it’s a subject you’ll enjoy and will play to your strengths – but you don’t need to study it in order to pursue a career in law.

There are no specific subject entry requirements to study for a law degree, though some universities may have a list of subjects they prefer you to have taken. In this case, a subject such as history, which involves essay writing and may cover some related areas, could be a sensible option.

The exceptions…

The London School of Economics (LSE) has A-level law on a list of non-preferred subjects. That means if two of your A-levels are on this list, you won’t, in theory, be considered for a place there. The subjects on this list are considered by LSE to be less effective preparation for university studies.

However that doesn't mean it’s impossible to get a place.

In contrast, University College London (UCL) lists law as one of its preferred A-level subjects.